TWO candidates joined the contest to replace Peter Mandelson on the last day of nominations for the Hartlepool by-election yesterday, bringing the number to 14.

Offshore off-licence businessman Philip Berriman and London-based independent Ronnie Carroll were the late entries.

A draft statement of the people nominated for the Hartlepool by-election was released by acting returning officer Tony Brown last night. The candidates are:

* Edward Abrams -English Democrats: 50 Toll-Bar Road, Christleton, Chester.

* Stephen Allison -UK Independence Party: Murton Blue House, Hurworth Burn, County Durham.

* Philip Berriman -Independent: 6 Walnut Close, Thornaby.

* John Anthony Bloom -Respect: 35 Raby Road, Hartlepool.

* Ronnie Carroll -Independent: Flat 6, 23A South End Road, Southend Green, London.

* Jody Dunn -Liberal Democrats: 15 Chart House, Hartlepool.

* Christopher Herriot -Socialist Labour Party: 10 Burton Road, Newport, Wales.

* Alan Hope -Monster Raving Loony Party: 105 Reading Road, Yateley, Hampshire.

* Jeremy Peter Middleton -Conservative: 45 The Grove, Gosforth, Newcastle.

* Richard Thomas Rodgers -The Common Good: 63 Meadow Brook Road, Birmingham.

* Iris Ryder -Green Party: 14 Hornby Close, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool.

* James William Starkey -National Front: 6 Barry Avenue, Bicester, Oxfordshire.

* Paul Michael Watson - Fathers-4-Justice: 7 Ashwood Grange, Thornley, County Durham.

* Iain David Wright -Labour Party: 9 Southbrooke Avenue, Hartlepool.